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You're sitting at your desk, surrounded by a sea of textbooks, notes, and highlighters. The clock on the wall seems to be mocking you as it ticks away, each passing minute bringing you closer to the dreaded university exam. Your mind is a blur of formulas, theories, and concepts that all seem to be blending into one overwhelming mess.
You haven't moved from your spot for hours, so lost in your studies that you've barely registered the ache in your back or the dryness in your throat. All that matters is cramming as much information as possible into your brain before the big day.
Just as you're about to dive back into a particularly difficult chapter, there's a knock on the door. You don't even have time to respond before the door creaks open, and Changbin steps in, holding a tray of food.
"Y/N, you need to eat," he says gently, setting the tray down on the edge of your desk. There's a sandwich, some fruit, and a glass of water—all of which you've neglected for far too long.
You barely glance up, too absorbed in your work. "Thanks, Binnie, but I'm really busy right now. I'll eat later."
He doesn't leave. Instead, he pulls up a chair next to you and sits down. "You've been saying that for hours. If you don't take care of yourself, you're not going to be able to concentrate."
You sigh, a twinge of irritation bubbling up despite knowing he means well. "I appreciate it, but I really have to focus right now. This exam is important."
Changbin looks at you with a mixture of concern and determination, not backing down. "I know it is, and that's why you need to take a break. Just a quick one, I promise."
You shoot him a frustrated glance, but the look in his eyes makes it impossible to argue. He's right, of course, but the pressure of the upcoming exam is weighing so heavily on you that it's hard to think about anything else. Reluctantly, you reach for the sandwich and take a bite, trying to suppress the guilt gnawing at you for not studying every single second you have.
Changbin watches you eat, visibly relaxing as you take care of yourself. "See? That wasn't so hard," he says with a small smile, trying to lighten the mood.
You manage a weak smile in return. "Thanks, Binnie. I just feel like there's so much I still don't know, and every minute counts."
He nods, understanding but unwavering. "I get that, but burning yourself out isn't going to help you either. You're smart, Y/N. You've been studying for weeks. You need to trust yourself a little more."
You take another bite of the sandwich, mulling over his words. He's always been your rock, someone who knows just what to say to pull you back from the edge when things get too intense. But today, the anxiety is too high, and even his comforting words can't fully penetrate the stress clouding your mind.
As you finish your food, Changbin gently takes the empty tray from you and stands up. "How about we take a short walk outside? Just ten minutes to clear your head. Then you can get back to studying."
You start to shake your head, but he interrupts before you can refuse. "Please, Y/N. For me?"
The way he's looking at you—so earnest, so caring—makes it impossible to say no. You sigh and push your chair back. "Fine. Ten minutes. But after that, I'm going straight back to work."
Changbin grins, his dimpled smile melting away some of your tension. "Deal."
The two of you step outside into the cool evening air, and you're surprised at how much better you feel just by getting away from your desk. Changbin keeps the conversation light, steering clear of any talk about exams or studying. He makes you laugh with a silly story about something that happened during his practice session earlier, and before you know it, ten minutes have passed.
True to your word, you head back to your room, but something in you feels different—lighter, calmer. You sit back down at your desk, and though the pile of work is still intimidating, it doesn't seem as insurmountable as before.
As you dive back into your notes, Changbin stays nearby, occasionally popping in to bring you a snack or remind you to stretch. Each time, you feel a mix of annoyance and gratitude, but by the third or fourth interruption, the annoyance starts to fade. Instead, you're struck by how lucky you are to have someone like him, someone who cares enough to look after you even when you're too focused to look after yourself.
Hours later, you finally close your last textbook, exhaustion settling in as the adrenaline of the day wears off. You slump back in your chair, letting out a long breath. It's late, and the only sound in the room is the faint hum of the night outside.
Changbin appears in the doorway, looking at you with concern. "How are you feeling?"
"Tired," you admit, running a hand through your hair. "But... better. I think I'm as ready as I'll ever be."
He walks over and places a hand on your shoulder, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "You're going to do great. You've worked so hard, and I believe in you."
For the first time in hours, you feel a genuine sense of calm. "Thank you, Binnie. For everything. I know I've been a little difficult today, but I really appreciate you taking care of me."
He smiles, leaning down to press a gentle kiss to your forehead. "That's what I'm here for. Now, how about you get some sleep? You've earned it."
You nod, realizing just how exhausted you are. As you head to bed, you feel a wave of gratitude wash over you. The stress of the exam is still there, but it's tempered by the knowledge that no matter what happens, you have someone who's always looking out for you.
Curling up into Changbin's side under the blankets, you close your eyes, and for the first time all day, you feel at peace. You fall asleep with a small smile on your face, knowing that tomorrow, no matter how the exam goes, you have someone who will always be there to support you.
